America and Baha'i Faith

Born of the need to address the plight of men of African descent in the United States, and the unique afflictions imposed upon them, the Black Men's Gathering was founded in 1987 as an individual initiative. From its humble origins in a Greensboro hotel room where the original twelve participants met, the Gathering would grow and evolve over the course of a quarter-century to embrace hundreds in an atmosphere of love, fellowship, and devotion to the Cause of God. Anchor of Faith gives us a glimpse of the vibrant spirit of the Gathering; details its history, evolution, and influence; and brings to light the countless avenues of service pursued by its participants both at home and across the globe.

Winner of a DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Award, honoring excellence in religious communications and public relations.

Readers' Favorite® 5 Star Award Winner

Hazel Scott was a champion for civil and women’s rights. Born in Trinidad in 1920, she moved with her family to the United States in 1924. She was a musical wonder— studying and performing on the piano from the time she was a child. She became an accomplished singer as well, and appeared in Broadway musicals, films, and recorded her own albums. She also made headlines by standing up for the rights of women and African Americans, and she refused to play for segregated audiences. When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the March on Washington, Hazel led a march in Paris, where she was living, in front of the American Embassy. She learned about the Bahá’í Faith from Dizzy Gillespie and became a Bahá’í on December 1, 1968. She passed away in 1981.

We invite you to learn more about this “Change Maker” and the enduring impact she had on race relations through her performing arts.

See other books in the Change Maker Series

A magazine-format introduction to the Baha'i Faith that focuses on how Baha'is and their friends are systematically applying a spiritual framework for social change to heal the divisions and prejudices afflicting American society. The publication introduces the core beliefs and principles of the Baha'i Faith and illustrates how these are being put into practice through interwoven efforts in community building, social action, and engaging in public discourse.

A magazine-format introduction to the Baha'i Faith that focuses on how Baha'is and their friends are systematically applying a spiritual framework for social change to heal the divisions and prejudices afflicting American society. The publication introduces the core beliefs and principles of the Baha'i Faith and illustrates how these are being put into practice through interwoven efforts in community building, social action, and engaging in public discourse. Sold in a pack of 10 magazines.

Recipient of a DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Award from the Religion Communicators Council, Best in Class and Youth category winner

Recipient of a five-star review from Readers' Favorite Book Awards

John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie was a jazz musician who pioneered a new style of jazz music, known as bebop, in the 1940s. This book, written for junior youth, chronicles Dizzy’s life, beginning with his childhood in South Carolina, his move to New York City, and his eventual travels around the world. Dizzy Gillespie became a Bahá’í in 1968 and strove to be of service to others through his unique gift in music.

This is the second book in the Change Maker Series, highlighting people connected with the Bahá’í Faith who worked to bring about social change.

See other books in the Change Maker Series

At 14, Richard (Ricky) Abercrombie was besieged by prejudice because of his multi-racial background and angered by unsatisfactory answers to his heartfelt questions about religious truth. The time was 1960, and the place was Greenville, South Carolina. Ricky began carrying a gun, skipping school, and numbing his painful emotions with alcohol. His parents were worried and his future looked bleak. What happened next – an invitation to a birthday party at the home of a Bahá’í family – changed his life forever. Ricky became intrigued by Bahá’í teachings on racial equality, peaceful strategies for social justice, and the fundamental unity of religion. As he investigated these teachings, Ricky experienced a profound spiritual awakening that led him to give up the gun, stop drinking, and engage in life with hope and joy. His friends and family initially opposed his dangerous new association with racially integrated groups, but Ricky’s steadfastness drew them into investigating his new beliefs themselves. This true story of how a rebellious teenager transformed his own character and affected the lives of dozens of friends and family members is a cover-to-cover delight.

Winner of the DeRose-Hinkhouse Award of Excellence from the Religion Communicators Council.

An inspiring biography for middle grade readers!

Robert Sengstacke Abbott (1870-1940) was an influential African American who founded the newspaper The Chicago Defender in 1905, one of the first newspapers written for the African American community. Through the newspaper Abbott strongly encouraged African Americans living in the South to move north. Abbott was instrumental in organizing the Bud Billiken Parade. Abbott became involved in the Bahá’í community late in his life, attracted to the teachings on religious and racial unity.

This is the first book in the newly launched Change Maker Series, highlighting people connected with the Bahá’í Faith who worked to bring about social change.

See other books in the Change Maker Series

Readers' Favorite® 5 Star Award Winner

Arising is the autobiography of Kevin Locke—a member of the Lakota tribe and a renowned hoop dancer, flutist, and storyteller—who has traveled the world as a performer and a promoter of principles such as the oneness of humankind.